Mrs. Despina Peterson

Despina Fisfis Peterson went to be with God on Friday, December 19, 2014. She was 89 years old. Born November 30, 1925 in Monessen, PA, Despina grew up in a large extended family with her brother Nick and her many cousins. Graduating with honors from Monessen High School in 1943, Despina attended Robert Morris School of Business in Pittsburgh and received an Applied Business and Secretarial Science Degree. She then worked as an office manager for a number of years. Despina married George K. Peterson in Monessen in October 1954. They were the first couple to be married in the new St. Spyridon G. O. Church building on Reeves Ave. She moved with him to Asheville, NC. They both loved to play the violin. They had three children, and Despina was a wonderful wife, mother, γιαγιά (grandmother), and great-grandmother. She was a kind, generous, and selfless woman. She volunteered with the cub scouts, as a room mother at school, and with the Girl Scouts as an assistant leader, taking the girls camping. She always loved to take care of her grandchildren, and she loved to cook for her family. Despina spoke both Greek and English fluently and loved the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, where she sang in the choir with her beautiful soprano voice for several decades. She was a member of Daughters of Penelope and was an Officer in The Philoptochos Society. Despina is preceded in death by her husband George and grandsons Pete, William, and Patrick. She is survived by her brother Nick Fisfis (Virginia); brother-in-law, Johnny; sister-in-law, Mackey Griffis; sons, Dean (Stacee) and Stom (Kay); daughter, Maria (Jimmy); her nephews David (Dina) and Pete; niece Barbara (Steve), and her grandchildren Peter (Jessica), George (Anna), Eirene (Travis), John (Katie), Nick, and Zoe, and her great grandchildren, and other relatives. The family will receive loved ones at 6:30 PM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Monday, December 22, 2014. Trisagion will follow. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at the church with Father Michael Diavatis officiating. Interment will follow at Lewis Memorial Park. Donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

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Mrs. Despina Peterson

November 30, 1925 - December 19, 2014